Tag: prevent

How to Prevent Sink Clogs

Methods to Avoid a Clogged Drain

Drain clogs can cause sinks to become backed up with bits of food, hair, or grease. When this happens, the drain cannot easily remove the dirty water from a home, leading to slow draining, foul odors, and gurgling sounds. Although many homeowners assume that if the drain is still working, there’s nothing wrong, slow draining is still a problem that indicates a clog in the pipes. Without properly treating or preventing clogs, the entire plumbing system can be put in jeopardy of burst pipes and other plumbing issues. This blog will share three easy ways to avoid clogged drains.

Drain Cleaning 

Routine drain cleaning by a professional is an essential part of keeping drains clear and preventing costly problems with clogs. Professional plumbers have the tools and knowledge to effectively clean out drains and pipes, including using specialized equipment such as hydro jetting or drain snakes to dislodge tough clogs. 

During a routine cleaning, they will also inspect the drain for any signs of damage or deterioration that could lead to future problems. Additionally, they can flush out debris and buildup from the drain lines that can cause slow-draining water or small blockages.

By having the drains routinely cleaned by a professional, homeowners can maintain optimal flow and reduce the risk of clogs in the future. Routine drain cleaning is also a great way to keep drains free of bacteria and other contaminants that can cause health issues.

Mesh Drain Screenmesh

A drain mesh screen is an essential item for any homeowner who wants to ensure that their home's drainage system remains clog-free. It catches anything that would otherwise go down the drain, such as food scraps and hair. This prevents blockages from forming in the pipes and ensures that water flows freely through them. 

Not only will this help protect a home from costly plumbing repairs, but it can also save time and money in the long run. Installing a drain mesh screen is quick and easy, and it requires no special tools or skills. All homeowners need to do is insert the screens over their drains and secure them in place. By doing this, they'll be able to keep an eye on what goes down their drains and prevent any blockages from forming.

Don’t Put Food Waste or Cooking Grease Down the Drain

foodFood waste and cooking grease can cause severe clogs in drains. Common culprits include items such as rice, pasta, noodles, vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and fats or oils from cooking. When these substances are put down the drain of a kitchen sink, they stick to the sides of the pipes, where they solidify and form blockages over time. 

The best way to prevent these clogs is to avoid putting these items down the drain altogether. Instead, dispose of food scraps and cooking grease in the trash or compost them if possible. Taking preventative measures now can save homeowners major headaches down the road.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a local family-owned and operated business serving Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, 24/7 emergency repairs, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Tyler, TX. 

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Three Ways to Prevent Clogged Toilets

Reasons Why the Toilet Keeps Clogging 

There’s nothing worse than a clogged toilet. At first, one may try flushing it one more time–hoping the problem will fix itself. However, once the water starts rising, there’s no getting around it: there’s likely a clog preventing waste from leaving the system. 

The bad habits of homeowners cause most toilet clogs, so clogged and overflowing toilets can be avoided by practicing better habits. As long as homeowners follow a few simple practices, they can prevent these problems from happening. Not only would this reduce stress and inconvenience, but it could also prevent serious plumbing problems in the long run. 

Only Flush Toilet Paper and Waste Down the Toilet 

flushedFor many people, flushing something down the toilet is “out of sight, out of mind.” After all, once an item leaves the bowl, does it matter where it goes? Of course, it does! Clogs can build up deep within the home’s sewer main, leading to leaks, burst pipes, and the dreaded overflowing clogged toilet. 

The only things that should be flushed down a toilet are human waste and toilet paper. In 2019, KYTX reported on plumbing systems in Tyler, Texas, noting that homeowners should refrain from flushing: 

  • Feminine hygiene items 
  • Diapers and baby wipes (even wipes that claim to be “flushable”) 
  • Condoms 
  • Cigarette butts 
  • Paper towels 
  • Napkins 
  • Food residue 

Toilets are engineered to break down toilet paper and waste. The other items, however, do not break down easily in the plumbing system. Over time, they can lead to a huge toilet or sewer line clog that can cause extensive damage. 

Consider Toilet Paper Usage

toiletEven though toilet paper can be flushed, it doesn’t mean that toilet paper usage habits can’t cause clogged toilets too. Flushing too much at once is a common cause of toilet clogs. To prevent clogs from toilet paper, people can use less toilet paper or flush more than once during the process so that all the toilet paper used isn’t flushed at once. 

Homeowners can also install bidets to use less toilet paper. Popular in European countries, bidets release streams of water using a nozzle to clean one’s behind. Still, most turn to toilet paper to get the job done, so homeowners should also avoid folding toilet paper before flushing it to prevent clogs. 

Be Mindful of Sewer Line Clogs 

The most important part of the toilet is hidden from the naked eye. It’s the sewer main. This is where waste goes when one flushes it. When there’s a clog in this system, water won’t drain properly from sinks, showers, and toilets. So if the toilet is frequently clogged, it may be due to a clog in the sewer line.

Homeowners can help prevent sewer line clogs by: 

  • Disposing of fats, cooking oil, and grease in the garbage and not down any drains 
  • Throwing away hair from the shower drain instead of letting it go down the drain 
  • Regularly cleaning the home’s drains 
  • Preventing soap scum from building up around drains 

Homeowners with frequent toilet clogs should turn to a professional plumber for help. Any DIY measures could cause more harm than good. 

About Super Plumbers 

Super Plumbers is a local family-owned and operated company serving its neighbors in Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, personalized service, and 24/7 emergency repairs. Call them today for a clogged toilet repair in Tyler, TX.

Take The Right Steps To Prevent Pipe Corrosion!

Pipe Corrosion: What It Is and How To Prevent It

When people think of home plumbing issues, they often think of the most basic and traditional ones. Perhaps they are experiencing drain backups, maybe the air conditioning isn’t running properly, or something else of the likes. Rarely, however, do most homeowners think about issues with pipe corrosion.

Understanding why pipe corrosion occurs, what typically causes it, how to properly maintain pipes, and what to do if the pipes do corrode are all critical facets of responsible home care and, in particular, home plumbing systems. Continue reading for all of this information and more!

Reasons Why Pipe Corrode

What are some common causes of pipe corrosion? Well, there are many different reasons why pipes corrode. Some are largely in homeowners’ control, while others are more natural occurrences that can be harder to avoid. Perhaps the most controllable factor is chemical drain cleaners. When homeowners flush these through the pipes, they can introduce highly toxic chemicals that can quickly corrode pipes. These should be avoided at all costs.

Additionally, there are several other more natural factors that can corrode pipes. Low pH levels, for example, create an acidic environment that encourages mineral buildup. Oxidation and rusting can also occur in warm water pipes, and if homeowners have a closed-loop piping system, water speed can also contribute to corrosion.

Best Ways To Maintain Pipesplumber

Given all of this, how can homeowners begin to take steps to maintain pipes? First off, one of the best things to do is to introduce water softeners. These are specifically designed to limit acidic water conditions, which are prime conditions under which minerals like calcium and lime can build up and corrode pipes.

Additionally, homeowners should consider natural pipe cleaners that can further clear out corrosive contents within the pipes. Some very simple at-home remedies, like combining baking soda and vinegar, can act as natural cleaners. By flushing these solutions down the pipes periodically, they can clear out harmful minerals and prevent buildups that often lead to corrosion.

Importantly, remember that chemical drain cleaners are an absolute no-no. These can be extremely harmful and lead to corrosion themselves. Using them would put homeowners two steps back, so these should always be avoided!

Replacing Already Corroded Pipespipes

Ultimately, corroded pipes do occur. Perhaps homeowners have not taken adequate maintenance measures in the past, or perhaps they inherited degraded pipes when they bought their home. Regardless of the reasons, caring for already corroded pipes is necessary to ensure that the plumbing system functions effectively.

Repiping is the primary process by which homeowners can handle corroded pipes in their homes. This process should solely be handled by plumbing professionals, who often have years or even decades of experience managing home plumbing systems. During a repiping service, plumbers will be able to identify the problematic pipe(s) and install suitable replacements. They will also help homeowners establish better, more sustainable strategies to prevent pipe corrosion in the future!

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers of Tyler, TX is a family-owned and operated company that has been providing quality solutions for over a decade. With a commitment to honesty and integrity, their team of experts offers honest pricing, top-notch workmanship, 24-7 emergency services, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed for each customer. Call them for plumbing help today!

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Learning How to Prevent Pesky Sink Clogs in Your Home!

 

What to Do With a Clogged Sink

The sink is one of the most used fixtures in the modern home. Chances are, your home has multiple sinks throughout it. Whether you are washing dishes, washing your hands, or bathing a baby, sinks are a staple in every home. Unfortunately, though, everyone will likely have to deal with their sinks clogging at some point or another. When one sink in the house becomes clogged it can throw off the entire flow of your home. It will continue to cause disruptions and obstacles until you fix the problem. Not to mention that when you are dealing with a clog, it will only get worse until you do something about it or call a professional for some help.

There are ways you can prevent clogs from happening as often, though. You might even save yourself some money in the end! Continue reading to learn more about clogged sinks and how you can prevent them.

The Modern Sink and Your Home

Washing Tomatoes in the Sink

Ever since plumbing was introduced into homes, the sink was one of the first features added. Even before plumbing, people would use basins of water to wash their faces and hands in. The development of home plumbing made many great things possible, but it also means clogs are possible too.

Essentially, a sink is made up of pipes, valves, and a faucet with a spout. When the water is on and the valves are opened, the water flows from the spout into the sink and then down the drain and through the pipes.

When your sink becomes clogged, it doesn’t drain the water as fast or at all, and can start to smell and cause other problems. Taking care of your sink will keep you clog-free longer and keep your sink working efficiently.

DIYs to Fix a Clogged Sink

Woman Snaking Sink Drain

As mentioned above, clogs are extremely common in homes. Clogging your sink is easier to do than you might think. The pipes in your plumbing system are extremely narrow, so even the smallest of objects can get stuck and cause it to clog.

Some common examples of things that can cause a clog to form in your sinks are:

  • Trash
  • Grease
  • Food scraps
  • Small objects
  • Coffee filters
  • Paper towels
  • Eggshells

None of the above-listed objects should ever go down the drain. However, if something accidentally goes down the drain and causes a clog, here's a quick DIY trick you can try to address the problem:

One way to get rid of a small clog is to pour apple cider vinegar and baking soda down your drain. The mixture will bubble up and cause a reaction to occur that breaks down any build-up and allows water to flow freely down the drain once again.

If the clog is big or too far down the drain for this, though, it may be time to call in a professional.

Preventing Sink Clogs

Plumber Giving a Thumbs Up

In order to maintain a properly functioning house and save yourself thousands of dollars in damages and repair bills, you should always try to maintain clean, clog-free pipes.

The best way to do this is to have a plumber come out once a year for routine maintenance. This will help you understand the state your plumbing system is in, as well as any potential drain problems that could be in your future.

When you know about potential problems, you may be able to stop them before they happen! This could save you money down the road because the repairs you need are likely simpler. Also, early detection and repair can prevent costly damage to your pipes. When it comes to your plumbing system, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Super Plumbers Are Here For You

The experts at Super Plumbers care about the residents in the Tyler, TX community. That's why they are always here for you, whenever you need them! Call any time of the day or night and they will be there to answer your questions. They also promise to not leave a job until the customer is satisfied, so you can trust you are getting quality service every time. Call to schedule today!

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